Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double glazing-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue could be caused by many factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window doctor near me sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights could be different in size from the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, wooden and keep it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.